Role Model Reflects on Requests from Lesbian Fans to Be Their Sperm Donor

For Role Model, traveling means there’s truly No Place Like Tour, and his fans always manage to surprise him.

“During a recent performance in Australia, a lesbian couple held up a sign asking me to be their sperm donor, and I was genuinely taken aback,” the 27-year-old Role Model shared exclusively in his Backstage Pass feature in the latest issue of Us Weekly, following the release of his deluxe album Kansas Anymore (The Longest Goodbye). “I felt flattered. It was a first for me. Maybe one day I can actually assist them, and it won’t just be a casual promise. Who knows?”

Such extraordinary fan encounters are common for the singer-songwriter, who previously opened for Gracie Abrams on her The Secret of Us tour before kicking off his own No Place Like Tour. A memorable moment from what he’s dubbed “The Diva Tour,” which began in November 2024 and wraps up next month, has been performing his viral hit “Sally When the Wine Runs Out.” Each show, he invites a different fan or friend to join him as his “Sally,” dancing with him during the bridge.

Noteworthy “Sallys” have included Barstool’s Grace O’Malley (who joined the laughter online when she took a spill on her way to the stage), Ashe, and Jake Shane.

Role Model is set to join Abrams, 25, on her The Secret of Us (Deluxe) arena tour this summer.

“The fans are so welcoming,” he said of opening for Abrams. “Her fan base is incredibly kind and supportive, and so is Gracie, which takes pressure off me trying to win over a crowd that’s already paying attention. It’s just comfortable.”

He remarked: “I’ve never performed in an arena before. I’m eager to experience what that’s like.”

Continue reading for more backstage stories from Role Model, including his surprisingly low-key pre- and post-show routines:

What is your pre-show ritual?

Backstage is eerily quiet. My band and I are mostly just silent, scrolling through our phones until about ten minutes before taking the stage. Then, we share a shot of tequila and head on.

Are the Instagram hotel robe photos part of your ritual?

[Dedicated fans know that the singer-songwriter often shares a playful picture of himself in a hotel robe on Instagram Stories on performance days.]

If it’s a full day, then yes. I rise, hopefully go for a run, then snap my robe picture. I try to eat as much as possible before heading to the venue since the green room isn’t always well-stocked. I aim to get all my nutrients in before arriving.

Have you developed a taste for hotel robes?

Personally, I don’t care but I do check the robe first thing when I enter a room. If not, I have to get creative. It appears that 99% of hotels do have robes.

What’s on your pre-show rider?

It’s just as dull as our pre-show ritual. Recently, we’ve added ginger shots to our rider. We also have some immunity shots, and unfortunately, Celsius energy drinks, just in case any of us need a boost. Along with tequila, we often have food, a peanut butter and jelly option, bread, and occasionally a charcuterie platter, if we aren’t in the sticks. We also include a fruit platter.

Is there a favorite song you love to perform live?

My guess is that it will be something from the new deluxe album, but as for my current favorites — probably “Writing’s on the Wall” is at the top.

What’s your idea of a perfect afterparty post-show?

No afterparty for us. [We] prefer to sleep. None of us are heavy drinkers or party-goers.

Unless we find ourselves in a lively place like New York or L.A., where we might host an afterparty. I typically avoid unhealthy choices, but yes, there have been times we’ve ordered pizza after a show. I’ll be honest though, my go-to after a show is a protein bar while keeping things mellow.

Have you ever had an embarrassing moment on stage?

I tend to forget the lyrics quite often. It’s become so routine that it’s no longer embarrassing; it’s just part of the show now. Thankfully, fans are there to sing along and help me out, so it’s not the worst experience.

Do you ever feel nervous before a show?

Not anymore. I’m pretty comfortable now. I used to have severe stomachaches before performances, which would ruin my appetite all day. When I’m nervous, I just can’t eat — it’s probably why I looked so drawn until recently.

Have you ever experienced shocking interactions with fans?

At a recent Australian concert, a lesbian couple held up a sign asking me to be their sperm donor. I was completely taken aback. It was flattering; definitely a first for me. Maybe one day I can actually assist them, who knows?

Do you have any lucky items on tour?

Neema [Sadeghi], our tour photographer, won me a bouncy ball while we were on the road with Gracie in rural Texas, and it’s made its way into my tour bag for every show since. I frequently show him that I still have it. In terms of superstitions, it’s just a bouncy ball — I don’t really care, but it’s always with me.

Do you keep any souvenirs from your tours?

I do. I save many of the letters that mean a lot to me. They are currently scattered around my home. I also have fan books that I’ve collected since 2019. Each tour has one — they refer to it as a fan project — where everyone contributes a letter, a memory, or a photo, which is then compiled in a large book. I’ve got three or four of those at home that I cherish.